[Audax] built an unassuming side table with a party trick. It could retract a glass inside and fill it up with bourbon. The nifty device gained plenty of positive attention online, leading to a commission from Amazon to build a new version. Thus, [Audax] set about a redesign to create an even more impressive drink delivery system. (Video, embedded below.)
The story is very much one of refinement and optimization, focusing on the challenges of building a customer-facing device. With just six weeks to create the new rig, [Audax] had to figure out how to make the machine sleeker and more compact for its debut at a special event. To achieve this, he eschewed the original frame design made of aluminium extrusion, going for a 3D-printed design instead. The wire nest of the original version was then subsequently eliminated by an outsourced PCB design. Other new features included a mobile app for control and an easier way to adjust pour size, for bigger or smaller drinks as desired. For ease of use, activation is via an Amazon Alexa Skill.
As is so often the way, a last minute hurdle came up, prompting [Audax] to fly to Seattle to troubleshoot the rig on site. Nevertheless, the automatic drink server came good in the end, and delivered on its promise. Video after the break.
I saw this story the other day, amazing description of the process of going from idea to working model. I was particularly intrigued as it perfectly describes that every project no matter how big or small will expand to feel the allotted time.
s/feel/fill
I fill your pain!
B^)
Are you one of the people for whom “fill” and “feel” are homonyms?
I think it’s more of a “People work increasingly hard on a project as the deadline approaches, so that everything is finished only at the last second.”
I’d build it for my self as Amazon can afford to build their own.
In 2013, “Bartendro” Kickstarter turns into company “Party Robotics”. I think they finally closed up shop 3-4 years ago. The original difficulty of cheap peristaltic pumps is no longer an issue. See also the DNA Lounge Cocktail Robotics Grand Challenge series.
Epic.